Abstract: A load transfer apparatus for jackup barges provides a barge and at least three legs movably attached to the barge with a jacking mechanism associated respectively with each of the legs for vertically moving the legs with respect to the barge. A hydraulic pad is associated with each of the jacking mechanism and is placed between the jacking mechanism and the barge, forming a load transfer and load monitoring interface between the jacking mechanism and the barge. The pad includes preferably a hollow inflatable steel reinforced rubber pad which is pressurized during operation using suitable hydraulic fluid. The apparatus reduces impact load on the platform structure when the legs first touch bottom and might also be used to pre-load the legs using the hydraulic pads instead of ballast. The apparatus can be additionally used to monitor the load carried by each leg and to balance the loads among the legs, as well as to dampen vibrations.

Abstract: An improved barge and tug connection apparatus comprises a barge having a V-notched portion for receiving a tug into the V-notch. A tug for pushing the barge is disposed during operation within the notch allowing the tug to pitch and heave in the notch relative to the barge responsive to wave action. An articulated bow fender attached normally to the bow of the tug and disposed during operation between the bow of the tug and a portion of the notch of the barge longitudinally spaces the barge from the bow of the tug. The articulated bow fender maintains a substantially constant horizontal spacing of the barge with respect to the tug in a longitudinal direction while allowing both the tug along its entire length to pitch and heave with respect to the barge responsive to wave action.

Abstract: A tug and v-notched barge connection apparatus provides an elastic rope which connects the tug and the v-notched barge together, the rope stretching during operation to allow relative movement between the barge and the tug. Each end portion of the rope attaches respectively to the stern of the barge and the stern of the tug. At the stern deck portion of the tug is provided a pair of hydraulically actuated pistons and (in the preferred embodiment) a pair of movably mounted levers. Each lever provides at its outboard end portion a hook which is adapted to attach to a provided eye at the tug end portion of the elastic rope.